Going from a Honda 919 to a cruiser?

[domingo3]

Are there options that wouldn't be a huge downgrade in performance without getting something really big?

I went for a ride with a friend, and we switched bikes. He's got a 675cc cruiser. I've never ridden a cruiser before. I didn't dislike the riding position as much as I thought, and I found myself thinking that I'd probably want to switch to that style as a get older and stiffer. When I got back on my bike after the ride, I felt like I was curled up in a little ball.
His bike felt nice and relaxed, but was really missing the acceleration and mountain climbing ability that I've gotten used to with mine. I know there's a bunch of cruisers in the 1100 cc range, but from what I've seen in some internet surfing, they're all a good bit heavier and slower. There were some monsterous cruisers that looked like they'd be fast, but I don't want a car engine on two wheels.

Are there bikes that have a bit more stretched out riding position that would have similar (maybe not exactly as quick) acceleration?

[JamesG]

I thought a 919 WAS a cruiser.

Just kidding.

You'll be surprised. While the ergonomics and seat height are radically different, some cruisers esp. the big bore bikes, can really get up and go. They don't turn for crap, but they can definitely get out of their own way.

[tastroman]

V-Rod?

[underkill]

Most harley dealers have a whole fleet of demo bikes... Just go ride all of them and see what it's all about.. The other brand cruisers should be fairly similar. My only personal experience was with a Sporty 883... and it was slow as balls... and I found I hated the cruiser position... You could even rent a cruiser for the weekend to really make sure you like them... Be cheaper than buying one and shorty after realizing it's not for you... I wish I'd done that...

[kraven]

Harley's V-Rod is pretty much IT when you're talking about power cruisers.

Far as I'm concerned, Harley has the best one on the market. And I'm a hardcore Honda guy.

I like the power cruiser class, but most of them are just fat girls painted up like custom hot rods or thugged out like drag racers.

VRod will satisfy your power requirements and give you nice seating.

[Uncle Ernie]

Maybe you just want more of a STANDARD.
Triumph Bonneville, MotoGuzzi has a couple, a BMW from the 80's, Versys, V-Strom 650- something along those lines.

Personally, in my dottage I've become afraid of cruisers and that feet forward position (less control you know) and all the bloody weight.
I finally settled on a good used Kawasaki W650 and a Royal Enfield. I'd ride that W ANYwhere.

[3power]

Sportster XL1200C sounds like what you are looking for.

[domingo3]

Thanks for giving me some things to think about.

Uncle Ernie, are the ergos really that different on the versys or vstrom over the 919?

For anyone, are there any specs you'd recommend focusing on to narrow down the field a little bit?

It sounds stupid, but I think I'd have a hard time getting a harley after being a part time basher over the years. It seems awfully pricey compared to some of the other options.

One other thing I didn't mention, I like that my bike is pretty damn quiet. I don't want the noise that is typically associated with a cruiser.

[Draechon]

A 919 is a standard, but would be more upright with a pair of bar risers. There wouldn't be much of a difference heading to a V-strom, Versys, Bandit, FZ-1, etc.

As far as power/weight on cruisers, the mid-size to heavy mid-size (600cc going up to 1500cc) do have a considerable difference in the weight, but it's not noticeable when you're riding because the center of gravity is considerably lower than other style bikes. My dad used to have a Vulcan 1500 that was smooth as silk and handled reasonably well for a 750 pound bike. A friend's 1200 Harley Nightster felt really powerful, but vibrated really annoyingly at idle, and was loud. My Shadow 1100 vibrated and felt considerably heavier, even though it was about 75 pounds less. My friend's Vulcan 500 is much nicer at low speed since it's only like 450, but doesn't feel as sturdy at higher speeds. I don't know what the point of this paragraph was, but just my references.

As far as power/noise level, exhausts with silencers or decent baffles will do a lot to knock that low-end grunting rumble out of a cruiser, but may affect your power. As long as you're not obnoxious or running with straight pipes, powerful cruisers like the V-max, V-rod, Nightster, and Rune sound awesome.

[Yankee Dog]

I had a Bonnieville American for a while. Which is a pretty decent bike for a cruiser. It was fun for awhile, but I began to miss the power pretty fast. Someone else is riding it now.

As someone else mentioned why not consider a standard. Plenty to choose from with plenty of oomph; Speed Triple, Tiger, V-max (which is billed as a cruiser but is really a standar). I wont mention the B-king becuase it makes me gag.

Yankee dog

[PerfectStranger]

None of those HDs come out of the factory sounding loud. They're all within the law and actually no louder than other bikes. Most don't see pavement until the pipes have been swapped for something obnoxiously loud, at the new owner's request.

[Uncle Ernie]

Originally Posted by domingo3

Thanks for giving me some things to think about.

Uncle Ernie, are the ergos really that different on the versys or vstrom over the 919?

For anyone, are there any specs you'd recommend focusing on to narrow down the field a little bit?

It sounds stupid, but I think I'd have a hard time getting a harley after being a part time basher over the years. It seems awfully pricey compared to some of the other options.

One other thing I didn't mention, I like that my bike is pretty damn quiet. I don't want the noise that is typically associated with a cruiser.

I think some of the things that make a "standard" are pegs / feet below you, as opposed to behind or in front of you, bars with a slight lean forward- not putting much pressure on your hands and wrists, and >>> would a passenger want to sit on the pillion?
American bikes used to be motorcycles. I'm not sure when they became fat "cruisers". They gave epeople a way to get somewhere on 2 wheels. Now they sell style. Yes, they can be good road bikes, too (a couple of my friends put big miles on criss-crossing the country, and they are hot shit in the turns, too!), but mostly they are accessorized. That, also, depends on the owner. If you can handle the weight, a Harley or Victory might work, too.
"Cruisers" are often loud because their owners make them that way on purpose. You wouldn't have to do that.

Really, the best way to find out how something fits is to sit on it until the store closes. ( A lot of bikes feel great for 5 minutes)

Personally, I've been all over the place on 600 or 650cc bikes. Never wanted more. 70mph is 70mph. The older I get, the more I like light and nimble. These days I'm trhing to improve my skills here in the mountains, so droning on the freeway isn't a priority. Been there and have T-shirts in several sizes. (M to XL )

[gregkzoo]

Honda Magna's and yamaha v-max's can move out pretty good, especially the V-max. The Magna puts out around 90 horsepower, the older vmax around 135 horsepower, the new vmax....190!!!! horse at the crank and around 160 to the rear tire.

[spddmn]

I'd recommend an XR1200. Yes, its very sporty, yet retains the cruiser ergonomics to a certain extent. I test rode one a couple weeks ago and fell in love(I ride a 6R ninja for comparison reasons) with it. Its a really fun bike and its sounds like it would fit your bill to a T.

[mike]

They say a Vmax is a cruiser.